Big Eddy/Rainey Campground, near Tetonia, Idaho, is a free camping area that offers a laid-back vibe with stunning views of the Teton Range. It’s a great place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, with plenty of space for tents and RVs, though you won’t find any fancy amenities here.

The campground is right by the Teton River, making it a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and just chilling by the water. Visitors have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, often accompanied by the sounds of nature, like the babbling river and the occasional coyote howl. One camper described the experience as “listening to the river babble while the coyotes howled,” which paints a pretty serene picture.

While there are no drinking water or trash facilities, the campground does have a couple of vault toilets and fire pits for those cozy campfire evenings. Some campers have mentioned that it can get a bit lively at night, especially with the occasional late-night party, but most found the crowd respectful and friendly. 

If you’re into mountain biking, you’re in luck—there’s great biking nearby at Horseshoe Canyon. Just keep in mind that the roads leading in can be a bit rough, so it’s best to follow local advice rather than GPS directions. Whether you’re here for a quick overnight or a longer stay, Big Eddy/Rainey Campground offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation in the heart of Idaho’s natural beauty.

SItes are free and first come first serve, maximum stay is 10 days. Fishing is also allowed. Also, please use these coordinates; there is a Google Maps address but it is on private property and not the actual campground.

Big Eddy/Rainey Campground

Tetonia is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Tetonia campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Tetonia camping trip.

Tetonia

The Best Camping Near Tetonia, Idaho

I come here often - but mostly as a paddler! This is a very popular put in and take out for river trips, so expect traffic during the day - or even at night; full moon floats happen too! 
Very likely to see moose, sand hill cranes, ducks, geese, owls and other wildlife. Fishing isnt bad, but some of those big ones are pretty smart. I’ve seen hundreds of them in the river when it’s clear. 
Expect local scouts camping in the summer and lots of activity - but its a nice little campground or tailgate area after a paddle.

Popular with water access

It is close to Driggs Idaho and roads are easily accessible for any size rig. Boondocking area is relatively level. There are two bathrooms that were kept very clean. No water nor trash receptacles. 
There is a boat put/take out that stays busy thru the day. 
We were here for six nights, quiet at night and other than the boat activity during the day, camping area is quiet during the day. 
There is room for 15-20 rigs of any size. 

Great boondocking!

Beautiful spot with gorgeous views of the backside of the Teton range. Easy access to put on or take off the Teton River but just a wide open area so little to no privacy for camping and lots of other days vehicles so come later I think after day vehicles have left. For one night was decent quick spot. 

Beautiful scenery but wide open

I arrived on a Sunday evening and there were still plenty of areas to call home. During my seven nights, it was a great stay! Only a few people stayed the entire time I was there and many of them were just one night campers. There are a couple spots that have fire rings and picnic tables but anywhere that allows driving is fair game. There were two clean valult toilets and a host that would drive around every morning to make sure you don’t stay longer than then 10 day limit. There is a boat launch near the bathrooms so there’s a lot of traffic during the day and on the weekends. While I was disappointed I did not see any moose during my weeklong stay, there was an abundance of prairie dogs. Also, almost every camper that came through here had a dog and I believe most of them were off leash and well behaved but if you are not a dog person or do not have a dog that enjoys other dogs, I would rethink before coming here because it is very likely dogs will be running around off leash. Great spot it you have a boat or kayak. Only 15 minutes to Driggs to stock up on supplies. Great AT&amp;T service. If you were coming from drags, do not follow Google map instructions. Continue down the road until you hit 6000 and turn right. If you follow the Google map to turn on the first road, it is extremely rutted and unless you have a very high clearance, likely will damage something. 

Absolutely loved my stay!

To get here (don’t follow google maps): pass the Bates Bridge to your right (if you’re coming from town), turn right on 6000 W, then right again on 2000 N. The road is gravel and flatter than the alternative. Nice drop in on the river for tubes and fishing. 
Flat grassy yard with tables and fire pits. 2 Vault toilets on site. 

Lazy River

Nice distant view of the west side of the park and mountain range. Space for many vehicles, and there will probably be a handful at least. Not too crowded but
Not too private. Teton River lazily passes by with opportunities for kayaking, SUP boarding, or fishing. 

Teton Views from the Teton River

We followed the directions on a review as Google was taking us the wrong way, so be aware of this. 
We parked at sunset and saw the sky turn all beautiful colors around the tetons, listening to the river babble, while the coyotes howled to each other.
There were other people there but most were very respectful.
Some kids rolled in about midnight, made a lot of ruckus and partied till dawn, bit once we knew what was going on, it didn't bother us. Reminiscant of our youth. 😉
Very close to town and some awesome mountain biking at Horseshoe Canyon.
We loved it and plan on returning.

We did return, there were only 3 other campers here. Never heard any of them.  Adding more pictures of the sunrise. 

Outstanding place

Just as others said - be very careful following GPS for this site. 

I took 5000w instead of 6000w and was in for the ride of my life. The roads were a mangled mess and I thought we were going to get stuck or badly damage our Rav4. 

Once you get here - it’s very nice. Lots of places to park. Not busy but you likely won’t be alone. 

Photos of Big Eddy/Rainey Campground

Real photos from real campers